IN April 1999 it was revealed that the Royal Ulster Agricultural
Society had plans to construct a £100 million events and exhibition
centre at Sprucefield.

Representatives were due to meet with Lisburn councillors to answer
questions about the scheme.

It was envisioned that the facility would create hundreds of jobs and
would include two. large halls and an events park,'

Teesland Group PLC said they wanted to buy the Balmoral site owned by
the RUAS and then build the 'turnkey' complex for the society at Spruce
field.

They then intended to construct a housing development on the Balmoral
site, with the Kings Hall being turned into a leisure complex.

Site needed
for public convenience

IN April 1966 Lisburn Rural Council were on the look out for a
suitable site for a public convenience in Finaghy.

This was the theme of the discussion at a council meeting after a
letter was received from the Finaghy Business and Professional Women's
Club.

The letter referred to the developments in Finaghy over the years and
said it would be appreciated if the council would put forward a proposal
to have public toilets built in Finaghy.

The council were searching for a site near the crossroads but some
members said they had 'given up' trying to find a site.

PAST TIMES

Looking back at news from Lisburn's past

WHAT A TEAM...This is a picture we printed many years ago of the
young Fort Hill football team who went through the whole season in
1972 - 33 matches unbeaten - claiming a clean sweep of trophies. A
member of that team and Star reader Michael Wallace left in the
picture for publication. Included are, back row, from left Mr McCracken, Alfie Connolly, Walter Gilmore, Rodney Humphries, Gary
McCarthy, Colin Halliday, Stephen Flynn, Bill McCullough and Mr
Norris, Principal. Front left, Thomas Hempstock, Michael Wallace,
Colin McKibben, Frank Crowe, captain, Ronnie Fleming, Robert
Williamson and Boel Topping.

Lisburn praised for
lead in employment

IN April1985 Lisburn was praised by a Government Minister for
giving a lead in the fight against unemployment.

The then Commerce Minister praised local companies for
recognising the way forward and having the initiative and courage to
take advantage of the small unit space available in the borough. The
Minister came to Lisburn to launch the industrial units at the
former Grundig factory premises in Derriaghy.

Several of the units were occupied by Lisburn-based businesses
and the Minister chatted to employers and employees.

On a quick tour of the complex, which was transformed into fifty
units of varying sizes, he said the units were ideal for business
which develop originally within families.

"This is obviously what is happening in Lisburn and it is where
the future is," he said.

"I am convinced that the growth of small firms is the solution to
the problem in the Province and commend those who are prepared to
risk taking on small units."

He added that the Government could "only create the climate and
offer help," but it was up to people who were prepared to fight
unemployment.

Legion Club suffers major damage in fire

THE Royal British Legion premises in Lisburn's Sackville Street were
badly damaged in a blaze in April 1972.

The fire broke out on a Sunday night and forensic experts examined
the premises but did not find anything to suggest the fire was
maliciously caused. The main hall and adjoining room were gutted but the
ladies' premises and the billiard room upstairs were not affected.

It was a particularly hard blow for the club since a major extension
had been opened by the Governor of Northern Ireland, Lord Grey, just a
few years before.

Legion branch officers were at the hall on the Sunday night and
Monday to assess the damage.

The Star reported: "No doubt the Legionnaires will soon be making
plans for the future".

However a meeting of the Lisburn Chamber of Commerce just a few days
after the blaze heard criticism of the way the Fire Brigade had tackled
the blaze.

A local jeweller, who said he had some experience of fire fighting,
said he had been in the town at the time and made his way to the Legion
Hall.
He claimed that in such circumstances every second counted but he had
seen what he believed to be a lack of urgency and on one occasion said
he had seen a fireman with a portable fire extinguisher.

The outgoing President of the Chamber of Commerce said he was glad
the matter had been raised and said he was sure the authority would look
into it in every detail and advise the Chamber accordingly.

He said he felt that in some cases firemen actually use too much
water and more damage was caused by water than by the actual fire. A
Lisburn Councillor said firemen "seemed to have had some delay in
finding the mains water."

Can't afford a freezer asked this ad in 1972? Can't afford not to
have one since it would save you £1.80 off the weekly £6 food bill.
Those were the days.

Plans for an extension at Lisburn Cricket Club were confirmed - and
it was believed this would secure the the clubs' future. Lisnagarvey
2nds were favourites against Lorraine in the Irish Junior Cup semi
final, and Lisburn's Stephanie Lynas was the new Irish squash champion

Lisnagarvey record win

IN April 1972 Lisnagarvey Hockey Club cruised to victory in the
Irish Junior Cup final.
The win saw them coast to a record, after winning the Cup ten times.
The local team faced off against Deighton Wanderers at
London bridge
Road in Dublin.
The Star reported on the victory, saying: "It was a wonderful
achievement and their tenth success in all since, 1955."

Theme park at the Maze?

IN April 1999 there were rumours in Lisburn that the Maze prison
site could be turned into a theme park.
It was reported that should the prison close the land would either
be offered back to the original owners or would be sold. However
rumours of a theme park in the area still persisted.